Local social service providers and funders coordinated their efforts to end
homelessness in Lorain County which resulted in Bridge Pointe Commons reaching full capacity
in May 2022. Bridge Pointe Commons is a 62-bed permanent housing facility for people who are
homeless, have mental health concerns, struggle with substance abuse, or have developmental
disabilities. The three-floor complex located off East Bridge Street in Elyria was made possible
by EDEN and Lorain County Continuum of Care.
The housing project involved a strategic plan including creating a new coordinator position to
align services and attract new funding. Stacy Slack had an essential role as the Continuum of
Care Coordinator (CoC) operating out of United Way of Greater Lorain County’s headquarters in
downtown Lorain. This role was established through a partnership between the state of Ohio
and Neighborhood Alliance.
Filling the facility was the result of a two-year strategic planning process commissioned by The
Nord Family Foundation and the Lorain County Continuum of Care. The plan was led by the
Center for Supportive Housing with the help of 35 local stakeholders and the Ohio Balance of
State Continuum of Care.
“We are honored that the community asked us to take on a leadership role in this work and
welcome the addition of the Continuum of Care Coordinator position to our team at United Way
of Greater Lorain County,” said United Way of Greater Lorain County President and CEO Ryan
Aroney. “Most importantly, we’d like to express our continued gratitude for all of the partners
working together to create this coordinated effort to proactively end homelessness in our
community.”
Slack expressed an appreciation for the partners working together through challenges and delays
to bring the project to fruition.
“I am honored to be the liaison for Lorain County partners, fulfilling our goals to identify and
eliminate gaps or duplication of services, and to provide those experiencing homelessness a
smoother and expeditious transition to permanent housing,” said Slack. “The community really
came together to show that no matter how challenging things may seem, with good
communication, coordination, and strategy, we can overcome challenges and be successful. I am
happy we were able to achieve that by filling Bridge Point Commons.”
Many Bridge Pointe Commons residents have described the impact Slack’s position has made
on their lives, including Andrew Harris, a current resident.
“I was living in my van for a period time, and through what I could call an act of God or the
universe, I met Stacy,” said Harris. “She has exceeded the call of duty, was very responsive and
authentic, and I felt like she had my best interest at heart through the process. My lease was
clear and comprehensive, and she made sure I had transportation knowledge. Moving into
Bridge Pointe Commons means stability for me, and I couldn’t have asked for a better
experience.”
The Lorain CoC is comprised of over 20 community agencies and organizations with EDEN’s team
joining for the first time with this project. In addition to EDEN and United Way of Greater Lorain
County, major players include The Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery Services Board of Lorain
County (MHARS Board), Catholic Charities St. Elizabeth Center, Elyria YWCA, The Nord Center,
Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority, LifeCare Ambulance Services, The Salvation Army of
Elyria, and Neighborhood Alliance.
“Neighborhood Alliance is pleased to have Bridge Pointe Commons as an opportunity for
supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness in Lorain County,” stated
Neighborhood Alliance President and CEO Alicia Foss. “The partnerships and efforts of the
entire Continuum of Care speak volumes about the social service providers who have worked
together tirelessly to help fill these units. We appreciate the hard work that helped those facing
a housing crisis to find home.”
By bringing local partners together, the CoC Coordinator position helps improve communications
amongst agencies, approach funding sources by bringing awareness to current programs and
resources available at various agencies, avoid duplication of programs, and place people into safe
housing.
For more information, please contact Stacy Slack at stacy.slack@uwloraincounty.org
